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Local Events Provide Support to Cope with Holiday Stress

Healthy Futures Initiative and Building Hope partner to offer support, community and connection during a sometimes-stressful season

Contact:

Kellyn Glynn, Healthy Futures Initiative

970-668-4035, kellyn.glynn@summitcountyco.gov

SUMMIT COUNTY – Healthy Futures Initiative and the Summit Foundation’s Building Hope Initiative are partnering to host a series of local events to help community members connect, support one another and learn more about mental wellness during the holiday season. Six free events will take place from Nov. 30 through Dec. 28; all will include dinner.

“For many, the holidays can feel more stressful and chaotic than joyous and bright,” Healthy Futures Coordinator Kellyn Glynn said. “We’re offering these events to let you know you’re not alone, and to provide support, tools and resources that can help.”

The first event, to be held Nov. 30, is a “Question. Persuade. Refer.” (QPR) training lead by Summit Community Care Clinic licensed therapist Susan Preaus. The QPR program teaches early recognition of suicide warning signs in a simple, one-hour training.

“This is an incredible resource for anyone in the community interested in learning more about how to handle a crisis situation,” Glynn said.

On Dec. 5 and 28, the partnership will offer yoga sessions with a focus on mental-health wellness. The yoga sessions are designed to raise awareness related to depression, suicide and mental health. The class is open to all skill levels, and no yoga experience is necessary. Anyone may come to seek peace, calm, community and healing within a stressful time. Yoga sessions are being lead by local teachers Leslie Glenn and Amy Sabreen.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness will lead a presentation of “In Our Own Voice” on Dec. 8. Two presenters will share personal stories about living with mental illness and achieving recovery to offer hope and education to those affected by mental illness.

Summit County local Betsy Casey will host a family-friendly holiday craft night on Dec. 15, where participants will be able to build wreaths and make gingerbread houses. All supplies will be provided. The evening is focused on togetherness, community and fun.

Breckenridge-based spiritual storyteller Phil Gallagher will host his “More to Life” talk on Dec. 20, with an emphasis on bringing peace to holiday chaos.

“The holidays are not always filled with cookies and joy,” Gallagher said. “They also mean stress, conflict and grief for many. But our conversations will bring connection and ideas for how to remember the wonder of the season and handle the hardships it can bring.”

At each event, participants will have the opportunity to talk together and share stories as a group. Each event is hosted at a separate location so interested participants should be sure to check dates, times and locations for each event before attending.

For more information about the holiday wellness series, visit www.facebook.com/buildinghopesummitcounty/ or contact Healthy Futures Program Coordinator Kellyn Glynn at Kellyn.glynn@summitcountyco.gov or 970-668-4035.